Where to Inject Saxenda: Best Injection Sites & Tips

Now that you have decided to use Saxenda to control appetite & facilitate weight loss, the question is, how do you use it right? Where to Inject Saxenda? As you know, it is a once-daily, self-injectable medicine that comes in a prefilled pen. In this article, you will walk through all you need to know about the procedure of administering Saxenda pre-filled pens. Take a read!  

Where to Inject Saxenda? 

The drug is to be administered under the skin (subcutaneously) and never in the veins or muscles. 

Suitable Injection Sites for Saxenda

The best areas are the front of your waist (abdomen), the front of your thigh and the upper arm. It works best when administered into the fatty layer rather than when taken by mouth.

A. Stomach (Abdomen)

The abdomen is the best place to inject due to its ease of reach. The body absorbs the medications most quickly and consistently here. 

You can administer it in the abdomen region as follows: 

1. Wash your hands properly with soap and water.
2. Choose a site in the abdomen which is at least 2 inches away from your belly button and just below your rib cage.
3. Clean the area with alcohol swabs.
4. Pinch the area to be injected to create a small fold.
5. Insert the Saxenda pen needle into the skin at a 90-degree angle.
6. Press and hold the dose button until it turns to 0.
7. Keep the needle in for 6 seconds.
8. Withdraw the needle slowly.
9. Apply pressure with a cotton ball if there is any bleeding.
10. Dispose of the used needles in a sharps container after use.

B. Thigh (upper outer area)

The thighs have a good amount of fatty tissue – ideal for subcutaneous injections like Saxenda. This minimizes the risk of hitting a blood vessel or nerve as compared to other areas. Moreover, most people can easily reach their thighs to self-inject as follows: 

1. Wash hands thoroughly.
2. Choose a spot on your thigh.
3. Clean the spot with alcohol swabs.
4. Pinch the skin to create a fold.
5. Insert the needle straight into the fold.
6. Press and hold the dose button until “0”.
7. Hold the needle for 6 seconds.
8. Slowly remove the needle.
9. Apply pressure if needed.
10. Dispose of the needle in a sharps container.

C. Upper Arm 

 Saxenda is absorbed similarly from the upper arm as from the thigh and abdomen. The upper arm too, is easy to reach, and thus, it can be injected independently or with assistance.

1. Wash your hands properly with soap and water.
2. Choose an area on your upper arm.
3. Clean that spot with alcohol swabs.
4. Pinch the skin and inject.
5. Hold the button until “0”.
6. Keep the needle in for 6 seconds.
7. Remove the needle slowly.
8. Gently press if needed.
9. Dispose of the needle safely in a sharps container.

How to Choose the Best Injection Site

In case you are wondering where’s the best place to inject Saxenda​, there is no single best location. However, it is important that you don’t administer the medication in the same region every time. 

Site Rotation 

Here is why rotating Saxenda injection sites rotation is essential.

• It prevents a buildup of fat under the skin that can occur with repeated use in the same spot.
• Doing so gives each area time to heal and minimize skin irritation.
• It ensures the absorption of the medication from week to week.

Make sure that you are injecting at least 1 ½ inches away from the last injection site. 

Noting down on the calendar where you gave the last shot helps keep track and prevents you from giving the shot in the same region.

Missed Saxenda Dosage: What to do next?

1. If you forget to take your dose, take it when you remember if it is within the 12-hour timeframe of when you usually take it. 
2. If it has been over 12 hours, skip the dose for that day and take the next one at the usual time.
3. Never take a double dose if you have missed one.
4. Importantly, if you skip Saxenda for three days (72 hours) straight, return to your starting dose of 0.6mg and gradually increase it as per your doctor’s recommendations.

Additional Info From Pandameds.Com

• The liquid in the pen should be clear and without particles. If it’s not, use a new pen.
• Always use a new needle each time. Attach the needle straight onto the pen. Twist it until it’s secure. 
• Turn the dose selector until it points at the flow check symbol. 
• If you are thin do not use the abdomen as an injection site as you need an area with a fatty layer.
  
• Saxenda’s shelf life is extended by refrigeration.

Note: Reach out to your healthcare provider and get a demonstration on how to inject Saxenda for better assimilation.